It takes a Village.

Cooper just turned 3 months old, and I didn’t realize how much help I was going to need. First off my mom came and spent three weeks with us from the get-go. That selfless gesture is one of the greatest gifts she has ever given me. To be completely honest, I have already thought about how that experience will be when Cooper is having her first baby. I have never felt as loved as I did during those weeks, with text messages and phone calls flooding in, along with meals, meals and meals. Home-cooked and take-out. All the random acts of kindness allowed me to focus on healing and the transition into motherhood.

As the weeks went by, fewer people trickled in. I remember one of my first days sitting at home alone with Cooper. Left to fend for myself, I wondered how in the world I was supposed to accomplish anything outside of my basic needs. In fact, even that felt impossible. I remember moms telling me they didn’t have time to shower. How is it possible that in 24 hours you can’t find five minutes to shower? What I have realized is that you might find the five minutes, but showering within them is not the priority. The priority is eating and getting dressed.

It didn’t take long to realize that my ambitious goal to continue working while being a new mom was only going to be possible with a lot of help from others. As part of this week’s #bebetter52 challenge – giving flowers – I took it upon myself to thank just a few of the amazing women who made both coaching and Be Better possible during the last couple of months. Presenting them with flowers was a great opportunity for me to express my gratitude.

Thank you, Jessica, for being an amazing example of a mother who continues to coach despite the craziness of having to tend to three children with busy schedules. You made it possible for me to take off a whole month at the beginning of lacrosse season so I could be present in the moment with my newborn. Actually, you demanded I be present for a month with my newborn, reiterating the fact that I will never have the time again with Cooper. Not once did I worry about the team, because the girls were in your hands.

Thank you to my interns, Jessica and Jordan, for holding down the fort with the Be Better Movement. You have been flexible and hardworking, making sure all the Be Better challenges are well-researched. Our meetings have been in coffee shops while I was pregnant, in my house so I could nurse and

over the phone (when leaving is just not an option). Thank you for all your hard work. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.

And last, but not least. Thank you to my mother-in-law. She has recently moved to Orange County with the sole purpose of helping us with baby Cooper. For the last month, she has devoted herself to hours of babysitting so I can continue my personal passions: coaching and the Be Better Movement.

It takes a village to raise a baby, and I am incredibly grateful for my village.